When a joint is fixated or stuck, the doctor utilizes a chiropractic manipulation or an adjustment to help restore the normal motion and function. Our manipulative therapy techniques are based on current medical research and proper joint biomechanics. Generally, this technique employs gentle pressure or a shallow thrust to restore optimal motion. Neurologically, an adjustment will inhibit pain nerves, help relax muscles, and will improve neuromuscular coordination. When a door is not working properly, you would not just examine the door closed but also swing the door to determine if the hinge is freely moving or if the door is out of level. That is what a skilled Motion Palpation Doctor does when examining a patient. Certified through the Motion Palpation Institute, we have a dynamic and gentle way for assessing the spine or other joints (ankle, foot, knee etc.)for faulty or aberrant movement. This often includes examining patients’ movements as they walk, squat, run or throw and then feeling the specific joint’s movement by hand. Once a restricted joint is identified, this technique offers effective and biomechanically correct ways to mobilize the fixated joints, restoring proper function to these areas.

Manual therapy means using specialized hands-on techniques to release restrictive soft tissues such as muscles, tendons, ligaments or fascia. These methods are great for treating tensions headaches, sports injuries, and accompaning most conditions.

Dry needling is a highly effective treament for various muscles and inflammatory conditions. It requires a very skilled provider to identify the trigger point or taunt muscle that will receive treatment. Once identified, a thin, solid filament needle is inserted to release tension and restore function. Regardless of the apprehension that most people exhibit, the results speak for themselves.

Functional Rehabilitation (Rehab) incorporates functional exercises and activity avoidance, modification, or recommendation to help patients relieve pain and regain normal function of their spine and limbs. To learn these procedures Dr Hawkins has been trained by some of the top rehab therapists in the world, from all disciplines including Physical Therapists, PhD’s in Spine Biomechanics, Medical Doctors, and Chiropractors. Therapy begins by identifying faulty patterns of movement often resulting from poor posture, improper lifting mechanics, muscle imbalances or injury. This is typically identified by examining the patients' movements through gait analysis, movement screens or years of experience. After identifying the problem and treating the affected tissues, patients at In Motion Spine & Joint Center can expect to learn functional rehabilitation procedures to help correct the injury. The effectiveness of this treatment protocol depends on the patient's commitment to their therapeutic exercises and to their doctor’s recommendations.

DNS is not just a technique but rather an overall strategy that includes specfic principles of developmental kinesiology and neurophysiology. This knowledge is incorporated into the assessment, treatment and corrective strategies for the patient. By activating the deep stabilizing system of our spine (core, diaphragm, intrinsic muscles, etc) we better prepare our body for the tasks at hand. The use of unique manual and rehabilitative techniques are performed to help achieve this activation of our deep stabilizing system.

Therapeutic Laser Therapy, or "photobiostimulation," is the use of specific wavelengths of light (red and near-infrared) to create therapeutic effects in living tissue. Laser therapy is the future of treating sports injuries, sinus problems, tendonitis and various other common conditions and we have seen results in shorter amounts of time. Therapeutically, laser treatment will feel like a soothing, warming sensation as water at the skin's surface is excited, but the effects are much deeper. Circulation is increased, drawing water, oxygen and nutrients to the damaged area. This creates an optimal healing environment. As the injured area returns to normal, function is restored and pain is relieved. Cellularly, the infrared laser light interacts with tissues deep to the skin where the injury lives. Metabolic activity increase within the cell, improving the transport of nutrients across the cell membrane. This initiates the production of cellular energy (ATP) that leads to the cascade of beneficial effects, increasing cellular function and health. Simply put, the more ATP available the more the body can do its job.

IAST - we are trained to use stainless steel instruments to detect and treat areas of scar tissue or adhesion in muscles, tendons, fascia, and ligaments. These instruments act like “scar tissue” stethoscopes to find tissue problems with amazing sensitivity. Most commonly used to treat the fascia and innerlocking connective tissues, this method of manual therapy helps initiate the healing process, regenerate stronger tissue, and is effective in the management of many musculoskeletal cases.

Movement Screens are art the foundation of how In Motion Spine and Joint Center evaluates, treats and heals their patients. These are specific movements that the Drs have been trained to assess the QUALITY of the movement to determine if the site of pain is the problem or, more commonly, a compensation to another dysfunctional area. These screens are vital for those involved in multi-planar movement exercises and sports such as Cross-Fit, tennis, golf, just to mention a few.

Neuromobilization techniques involves the treatment of nerves by doing specific movements that are designed to gently slide or floss the nerves of the arms and legs. These techniques are used in treating conditions such as carpal tunnel and sciatica as well as many more.

The TMJ is the joint between the jaw or mandible and the skull. It is used every time we chew, talk, or even swallow. Its anatomy as well as its movements are very complex and very often become dysfunctional. This dysfunction can cause pain in the jaw or face, popping or clicking during chewing, limitation of jaw movement, or even headaches/migraines. The doctors of In Motion Spine and Joint Center are highly trained in the evaluation and treatment of this orofacial condition. Our conservative approach to temporomandibular dysfunction consists of a detailed examination of the TMJ and its function, as well as the function of the cervical spine (neck). Treatment focuses on first releasing the tension of the proper soft tissues, in some cases mobilizing the jaw or manipulating the neck, and then teaching the patient how to retrain proper jaw motion with rehabilitation exercises. The goal of this treatment is to restore proper function of the joint and stabilize its motion. Many times, there is hope for a clicking jaw, painful joint, or headaches even if a patient has been dealing with the problem for years.

Pelvic, Low Back, hip, and mid back pain are very common during pregnancy. With specializied education and interships on how to treat these patients, Dr. Hawkins enjoys helping those expectant mothers with safe treatments to help alliviate the pain.